Costco Wholesale Corp (COST)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
SYF
Synchrony Financial
$73.14
-1.16%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $25.48B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 2794% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $9.89B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs 3.0%. SYF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.22. SYF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
SYF
Strong Buy77
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-89.1%
Fair Value
$535.26
Current Price
$1008.79
$473.53 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for SYF.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 48.0%
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 20.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 21.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SYF
The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.0%.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 52.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : SYF
The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COST profiles as a growth stock while SYF is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
SYF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.36 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SYF scores higher overall (77/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 36.4% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Costco Wholesale Corp
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Costco Wholesale Corporation (doing business as Costco Wholesale and also known simply as Costco) is an American multinational corporation which operates a chain of membership-only (needing a membership to shop there) big-box retail stores. As of 2020, Costco was the fifth largest retailer in the world, and the world's largest retailer of choice and prime beef, organic foods, rotisserie chicken, and wine as of 2016.
Visit Website →Synchrony Financial
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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